Fits Way Better Than A Coyote! - Twin Turbo Cadillac Northstar

The GM Coyote is getting swapped into our Ford Fairmont Futura to piss off the purists. This Northstar LH2 engine is getting Twin Turbos as well. This is going to be sick!!
T-Shirts: www.paccracing.com/store

[@prevost8686]

The NorthStar is another example of “what might’ve been “ had it been right from the beginning. By the time GM had the issues resolved it was already too late to ever overcome the horrible reputation that it had. There needs to be a list of the top ten “What might’ve been “ engines. I’m looking forward to this build.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

That would be a cool list

[@V8Power5300]

Yep, GM really messed up with the Olds diesel and northstar. If they had both been fixed from the beginning, GM would most likely be in a better position now. Diesels might be popular still

[@joshuaelizabethfoster6276]

Ya that's like the "LS" big blocks the vortec 8100 and LS7(i know it has small block crank, can be stroked to 8L makes it big block family). Neither got the engineering love that the LS 4.8/5.3/6~2 had. The 8100 was little more then a proof of concept, literally called a boat anchor because the whole thing was cast the heads/intake/exhaust manifold, even the damn water pump was cast, soooo heavy. Then the LS7 went the other way all aluminum really light...but a well advertised valve drop issue then no one wants one. At least with the latter people saw the obvious potential and got to work like this guy is. It really is to bad the 8.1l never really got after market support the way an AMERICAN GM big block should, more then likely a fuel economy thing I'd guess.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

​@@Calvin-NelsonI was wondering if this engine would be runnning

[@shadowopsairman1583]

​@@joshuaelizabethfoster6276you forgot the LSX 454, the 523 and the 623

[@richards1816]

How many times did Calvin say: This may sound ridiculous but no one makes one of these. So we made our own. Stellar work family! Mom is in on it too😊

[@mross302]

He says it so many time you could make a drinking game out of it, take a shot every time he says this may sound rediculos 🤣

[@ALR74]

I literally laughed out loud every time he said that. Lol

[@richards1816]

@ALR74 and with total deadpan expression like he is completely serious and saving us the trouble of searching for parts that don't exist lol... because he is.

[@chrisw5837]

And he doesn’t just make parts/adapters they are works of art!

[@stoker20]

I get bored watching guys opening boxes and bolting parts together. Your way of blazing different trails and creating the parts to get to where you're going is very entertaining. You and your dad are true craftsmen. I like the classical music too!!

[@madrew2003]

Dig the classical track and the tech driven work too!

[@simbanugz2906]

As someone who was a mechanic in early to mid 2000s I loved this engine, I made so much overtime. Most of the time it was a elderly person who went 10000+ miles on a oil change and brought it in due to engine being noisy. To check and see oil was very low and black with glitter. Maintenace/ checking oil levels is super important but over looked. I use to add about 1/2 - 1 quart after the full reading for anyone elderly or who was unlikely to check oil. In my experience if maintained 250,000 miles no problems. Years and years ago I helped put one together to go into a Fiero. For its time it was fast low 12s car due to traction issues. Awesome video

[@punksrfr]

I loved doing fuel system services on them when they were owned elderly folks. The carbon buildup would make for a John Force burnout style smoke show when taking the car for a road test! 😂😂😂

[@flyoverstateresident2890]

Great until you blew a head gasket or sensors went out, which they frequently did.

[@junkyard4999]

What rpm could that Fiero build turn? I bet that motor sounded good at WOT in the higher revs

[@shadymaint1]

I got to drive a Fiero with a Northstar swap. Stupid fun. That is how GM should have built that car.

[@primer50]

I worked at a gm dealership in 1998-2000 and we mainly serviced Cadillacs and H1 Hummers ( go figure) . I was the upholstery guys helper at the time . I can't tell you how many of these Northstar Cadillacs we had engine problems with back then . I remember they had a coolant conditioner that was pellet based ,and a special fuel system additive. I rode in a lot of trunks trying to find rattles and squeaks . Also I was the test driver .The techs would just go have me floor them on the freeway until they stopped smoking from the fuel system additive . The Bose sound systems were nice though .

[@goobworx]

this and that v10 lincoln are my two favorite builds on youtube right now, great work

[@Matt-nw2pt]

Watching the 10 Lincoln project also😊

[@malaukcrysis]

As much as I love putting a 4v v10 into a modern lincoln, I cant help but want to put a 2v in a 60s lincoln.

[@drewsey5733]

I feel like a 2v or 3v v10 in a 70’s Lincoln would make for a nice driving resto mod

[@Room1sixtyfive]

Yeah, also look up for the Jeep Renegade HEMI swap...

[@sategllib2191]

​@@Room1sixtyfivedefinitely would be insanely fast. But why do all that work to the worst jeep ever made. Just a rebodied fiat. I guess that is the fun in it, but damn haha

[@DavidClark-vy8kg]

GM actually fixed the head bolt and head gasket issues with the LH2 in 2004-2005 and NorthStar Performance also makes performance valve springs that’ll allow the engine to rev up to 8,000 rpm on stock cams and TimmyC also makes a larger 85mm ported TB

[@davidanderson2393]

This a fascinating engine swap, GM spent a lot of time and money developing Northstar and its racing program, it would be nice to have access to their race program information.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Heck yeah. That would be really cool. Lots of smart people worked on this program.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

You can thank the 90s LT5 for the design. There is a LT6 and soon LT7 coming

[@piotrpiotr1454]

I own a 4.6 STS in Poland. It is very rare car in Europe, so not even a chance to stumble upon any tuning project with LH2 here. Great to watch you guys getting all the potential out of this engine. Can't wait for final result

[@austinpeterson4898]

I just need more of your videos. I love the “oddball” engine builds.

[@Chevyxack]

Your killing me bro I need you to post more about this bro I'm trying to build my LH2 and I'm learning a lot more about the capabilities of this engine watching your channel I'm routing for you!! ❤🎉

[@Calvin-Nelson]

It all takes time man. Wish I had more time to devote to it. It's back in the garage getting work done, so updates are coming.

[@caddyguy5369]

As someone that has a couple Northstars laying around and a 92 Coupe DeVille waiting for a rebuild / RWD conversion, you gained a sub!

[@ericjon262]

Awesome! I can't wait to see this thing rip!

[@Viperman200221]

Screw the purists! Can't wait to see it up and running!

[@64Pete]

The complete lack of drama and bs on this channel is refreshing Calvin, and your shameless inability to think inside the box is astounding. Keep it up brother, I'm here for it. ✌🇦🇺

[@GIGABACHI]

I can not state enough how well the classical music went with the video ! 👌😎👍 Looking forward to this crazy build. I totally understand the long time dilemma. It's the same for every new project that has no precedent or very little in the way of parts and resources. I imagine it was the same with the ATLAS platform at some point in time. Good luck and keep us posted. ✌️

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yep. This is what we do! It's just an engine

[@michaelblacktree]

I agree about the music selections. Two thumbs up. 👍👍

[@casterkills]

When this thing is done you need to sell shirts with a picture of the car and “sounds ridiculous” printed on it

[@MikeAnderson-uj3oo]

Calvin, the stuff you and your dad do is amazing. I ran a custom exhaust shop for the better part of 20 years. The quality of your work would of been matched only by my top fabricator. Me. You definitely have some skills my friend. Not only can you design and fab your own parts, you actually understand the inner workings. Your not just a parts installer. We need more guys like you to keep our love of racing alive.

[@ericbengtson3490]

I had an Oldsmobile Aroura for a while a long time ago. It had a smaller 4.0 Northstar engine in it sideways for fwd. She pulled hard and gained rpm fast. Can't wait to see this build Calvin.

[@rocsti5402]

So did the Shelby series 1 by Carroll himself

[@krakhedd]

I always wondered why nobody built the Northstars, they seemed like great platforms to start from....glad to see somebody doing it right on KZbin where I can watch along!!

[@warriorplutotrent3827]

They do but it's mostly geared towards the drag scene. There's a handful of aftermarket for it

[@BrockJaden]

Headgasket issues plagued the early designs due to too small head bolts.. There are headstuds available for them now.

[@rjg967]

The sand rail guys did from the start. All aluminum engine that was putting out 100 HP more than a 302 or 305. In the late '90s they were getting 400 + to the wheels naturally aspirated with comparatively primitive tuning. It is easy to spot one by sound, they don't sound anything like a Ford or Chevy.

[@starionslider2116]

This project sparked my interest since day one. I cant wait to see how this thing responds 😈

[@albertsalzman6618]

"Now, this may sound ridiculous... but no one makes a kit to mount a Saturn III booster to the rear bumper of an '87 AMC Gremlin. So, we had to make one ourselves... and I think it came out pretty decent."

[@CharlesAAnnen-rh4mk]

You guys have incredible patience , creativity and drive. You give hope to those of us that can get overwhelmed at the amount of fabrication that is needed.

[@xjhickman]

Can't wait to see it goin. Love watching different motor swaps.

[@matthewbrough1800]

All I can say is, "HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! THIS IS GONNA BE EPIC!"

[@bigbluebowtie]

Love the classical music in the montage! Btw, love watching your stuff. Great fabrication and wonderful outcomes. Thanks for the content!

[@paullutherborrow637]

This is awesome Totally outside the box and as I’ve heard nobody plays with them so even better

[@farmyardfab]

Im building my own project and im amazed at how fast you guys can put stuff together.

[@woodzy575]

Can't wait to hear this engine run. should flow really well with DOHC and should rev pretty high. Great work as always. Good to see your Dad back at it

[@angrypanda3014]

Awesome tool, pops is very skilled! It's exciting to see someone doing an unprecedented build

[@tngtacticalmiata1219]

I've always thought these engines are seriously underrated.... Can't wait to see how this turns out..

[@markmonroe7330]

Excellent presentation. Thank you. Really looking forward to this series. It is nice to see different things being done with different configurations in a "home shop" environment.

[@mpetersen6]

Pissing off the purists is pure gold.

[@zmoneyshark]

Fantastic build sir your skill set and knowledge to turn something every mechanic called the worst GM engine ever made into this monster is truly an art. This man knows his stuff folks! The force is strong with this one! Keep up the good work sir! Impressive!

[@sethster70]

Ready to hear and see it on the dyno! Love your enthusiasm towards the not so popular stuff.

[@eddiebrown9590]

You are one very switched on and dedication to innovation young fella, at 70 you inspire me to do better. looking forward to seeing this one booggy. Eddie Australia.

[@jeromedenmark7587]

Love the videos. You and your dad make a great team . Nothing like the bond turning wrenches give.

[@ENKTDeeColon_and_randomnumbers]

Oh jeez exactly what I needed, even more hipster engine swap alternatives 😅 Hope this experiment works out as you anticipate

[@fnafplayer6447]

I'm a ford guy and I am all in for this. Ford guy approved!

[@RightFootTherapy]

I’m sure offering those one off parts to the public will help fund anything you need for this build haha . I was hoping to see a manual trans setup but I’m still interested to know what these engines can do !

[@douglasmcdowall5006]

Me too, 4 years ago my roommate bought a 40k mile pullout from an STS-V for $400. Can't touch the blower for that much now.. he had aspirations to put it into an S10 mini truck build with a manual but we couldn't figure out how to make it work with anything off the shelf so we were stuck with the 6l80 that came with it.

[@malaukcrysis]

The only thing stopping me from using a northstar in my el camino is the lack of a real manual option.

[@robertrosencrans2861]

@@malaukcrysis You can use the 60 degree V6 bell housing from a camaro or S10 with minor modification to one mounting hole and starter clearance. Do a search, flywheels are available. McLeod made mine.

[@jeffheins6624]

Getting the computers to talk nice should be a treat. At the end it will be a wild ride

[@gcrauwels941]

Appreciate the uncharted territory of this build.

[@fuse8052]

I can't get enough of your videos.

[@802Garage]

This is so sick! Also your channel deserves sooo many more subs. I've always said the Northstar is underrated and people always scoff. Excited to see what this does!

[@MowerModdin]

This is an insane project. I really hope it goes to plan. I have 4 Cadillac Northstar cylinder heads in my dorm room that I'm slowly swapping parts between during my off-times at school. I look forward to having the time and resources to do my own projects like this.

[@user-cb3ti8qt1w]

Very excited to see this project come together and see what kind of power you can pull out this motor. I think we out here all understand how thorough you are on these things. But I love that you’re not afraid to give it a try no matter what anybody thinks about. Good luck and this should by fun to watch.

[@stevep4713]

THAT IS WHAT I AM DOING TO MY. Z28. 1984...WILL BE WATCHING YOU KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK ❤AMEN AMEN AMEN

[@chrisw5837]

Your craftsmanship skills are amazing. I hope the parts you developed can be sold to others who may be interested. The trans adapter and exhaust flange designs and or parts would be super helpful to others. Great job! Can’t wait to see more.

[@projectLSaudiA4]

I respect all the work you put into making those components, it’s not easy. Can’t wait to see what this thing makes!!!!

[@marsdenbalaska6523]

I love your works and your out-the-box thinking and pragmatism doing these projects shows cool insights for our own and esp on yours look great bro

[@vincekartes7145]

😊amazing work you guys do, one of my favorite channels to watch. You guys build great cars that’s how your pop survived holy crap! Keep up the great work, inspiring all us other car guys!

[@TweezDeez]

Great video. I always loved Frankenstein cars. Was a dream of mine when I was younger to own a junkyard and just build crazy stuff like this. Keep making these crazy builds. Can’t wait to see it run!

[@Tony30957]

Very excited about this! I've always wanted to see this done!

[@eladsputnik2232]

Very interested in this build, I like to see different stuff get developed. Thanks for sharing the process with us.

[@genemartin1416]

I love that you're building this engine. The way I see it, So Much Potential. With turbos in endurance racing it made 650. I hope you get at least that. Im excited to see the coming videos. Keep up the good work

[@robertjohnson4784]

You and your dad are true pioneers. Breaking the mold and doing the impossible, I absolutely love it. I think it's gonna be amazing. Can't wait to see it passing coyotes on the track.

[@mikescherrer4923]

What a cool build, you guys are dedicated. Not many people would start a project like this knowing they will have to custom fabricate every part they need. Super excited to follow along!

[@andrewnelson3733]

Check out some of the other builds on the channel.

[@marcjordan29]

I have an 05 with 6000 original miles on it and am super excited to see where this goes...! Awesomeness!

[@hex214pony]

Title of this video should have been "Now this may sound ridiculous but..." 😂

[@idus]

I’m extremely excited. Single turbo takes a bit more time to link together so twins makes sense. I unfortunately have space constraints and can only fit one on my m112 Mazda truck b2200 build. Thanks for posting this. Keeps me moving forward on my project because I felt like giving up as no parts are available for my build and everything is hand built.

[@hierarchymotorz5388]

Awesome work Calvin! This is badass

[@rajcam80]

Very impressive! Can't wait to watch a video of this Frankenstein on the Dyno!

[@mikegillam1000]

I'm not a fan of LS swapped Fox body Mustangs, but Northstar swapped Fairmonts seems weird enough to be fun and interesting. I'm here for it

[@raymondpalma4308]

Super cool build can't wait to sees more🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@adamlambert3892]

Awesome job guys can’t wait to see the end result

[@jackkrupka3024]

This is gonna be awsome! Can't wait to see the next video

[@dailydj5555]

@Nivlac57 Thanks for working on this engine 😊 I have done some performance work with the LH2 in my STS-4 and love it! Delta Cams will regrind the stock cams and has a few good profiles, however, make sure he knows it's a new style roller cam or he won't do a Northstar cam. The stock LH2 intake was designed for torque and the plenum design restricts upper RPM. You'll see that the plenum is fed by the inlet duct with a 90 degree bend, and there is a lot of area the plenum can be expanded to upwards and back. I cut a 1/2" wide by 12" slit in the bottom of the intake and used that as access to hog out the plenum area from the front all the way to the back. I then 3D printed a dome shaped cap to close off the rear of the intake with epoxy and pop-rivets holding it. I then sealed off the bottom of the intake with a piece of steel that was 3" by 15", also using epoxy and pop-rivets. This intake has been tested to above 20 psi 😉 Hit me up, I have lots to chat about the LH2 and ECUs.

[@wadebonhomme2142]

Super cool build, definitely will be one of a kind!

[@groundcoon800]

Excited to see this complete! This and BIY DOHC triton v10 are both awesome motor builds.

[@joecool5531]

I love this idea. Please keep up the good work. God bless you and your family.

[@zekeuhl]

This is gonna be an awesome adventure to see!

[@91CavGT5]

YES!!! So glad to see you guys not only continuing the project, but solving issues in a unique way(LOVE the jig y’all made for the exhaust ports!!!)! The GT35 turbo was a VERY popular turbo upgrade for the original Dodge SRT4 crowd. 2.4L DOHC setup, redline in the 6,200-6,500 range, boost would start to build around 2,500 rpm with full boost available by 3,500 rpm range(depending on timing). That setup was typically good for an easy 500 whp. I don’t think that 800 whp will be an issue for those turbos at all. I’m patient and am not going anywhere, but I can’t wait to see how this project progresses!!!

[@beaches2mountains230]

RAD BUILD BROTHER. LOVE SEEING YOUR UNIQUE CONTENT AND GREAT FAB SKILLS IN DIFFERENT PLATFORMS. RESPECT.

[@chevellenut1968]

This is a really cool build can't wait to see It run

[@leavenothingstock]

Looking forward to seeing this build!

[@TheAlphacad]

I love my Northstar powered Eldorado. Studded the block , ported the heads n used stiffer springs. Big tube exhaust .It's a high revving motor that'll surprise people on a rolling pull. Can't wait to see what kind of power you get from this combo. BTW, I have heard of an adapter and block mods that would let you use an 86 GM 5spd but that was a few years ago.

[@vtwinaddicted5852]

This build is great to watch, hope to meet you guys some day....your talent is endless...

[@MississippiDan1]

❤🎉❤🎉 awesome job bro! Can't wait to see the finished product 😎

[@robertrosencrans2861]

Thanks for the great out of the box builds, I always look forward to them. Your visions and skills are always inspirational. I just read to the bottom of the comments (639 as of now) and have to say to the writers of negativity, Wake up! GM Dominated Indy with the IRL version of this mill! They did their home work well before arriving at the LH2 and LC3 versions of this platform. These engines came in $60,000 to $100,000 luxury cars from 2004 to 2010, they are very refined somewhat complicated and weren't cheaply made. The head bolt issue was on the early transverse models and a Northstar's starter location is not exclusive to this engine. Some performance parts are out there like rods, pistons, MLS head gaskets and a dry sump system. It's also been mentioned that Northstar Performance has stud kits and possibly cams. I know Calvin and his dad will make an awesome build as usual because they know what they are doing with a engine most people are afraid to work on..

[@user-rj6vh3vt6f]

Excited about this can't wait to see it done

[@philbetthauser9547]

This is going to be a cool project. Im looking forward to seeing the build!

[@oldcivicjoe9069]

Very excited to see how this shapes up! A Northstar swap into a 60s Era chevy truck has always been on my bucket list. Twin turbos just makes it that much more desirable.

[@pennysgarage]

Excellent!!! Love it with the Northstar!!

[@morenecornelius2453]

Man I love you guys...... I always knew that a Northstar Cadillac motor was going to be a force to be reckoned with so that tells me that I'm not crazy 🤣 I can't wait to hear this thing run I can't wait to see you make a quarter mile hit I'm so excited. New Orleans ✌️👍👍👍👍

[@KarKamp]

That thing is looking sweet and come together hella nice keep up the great work

[@davidanderson2393]

I ran into a facebook marketplace listing in Caldwell. ID , twin turbo Northstar motor with intercooler and radiator, comes with fuel system electronics. Couldn't help but think of you guys and your project, can't say I have seen one listed for sale before.

[@shemwhitehead9517]

I love seeing non-conventional swaps going together. 🤘😎🤘

[@street_wise_gamgee]

for this alone i needed to subscribe i need to see this thing run

[@crazyfoot490]

I can't remember the years. But back in like 93-94 somewhere in there that Cadillac Northstar V8 what's the talk of the town. I've always wondered how one would actually perform. Excited to see the results✌❤😃

[@grantbuxton]

This is cool i can't wait to see it done!

[@jeffdean1878]

If you need to suregrip head stud tools for redoing the head bolts to his studs I have the tools you can barrow. I had a Northstar in a rock crawler buggy. I think they are a highly overlooked engine. I will definitely fallow this. Pretty cool.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yeah. Northstar Performance is going to help us with that. Thanks

[@xTHExWASPx]

07-11 STS’s and 07-09 SRX’s, 3.6 or Northstar were made in RWD or AWD. A rear drive tail shaft housing from either of those should work.

[@dmoffitt252]

i’m excited for this . i have an LH2 that i’m contemplating on putting in my 2 door tahoe

[@jakebray2702]

That's awesome you guys keep this up! Very interested to see this all come together, not just ls swap. Built ford tough with chevy stuff!!!!

[@johnboy9769]

You guys make it look so easy lol Merry Christmas guys.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@eddiereichel9354]

Im an auto shop owner in NWPA. Had a guy who bought a chevy colorado. He blew the engine up on way to work. His boss was like yeah my brother can fix ya right up. They tow it to his place and they get a "low mile" used engine and he slaps it in for him. When we had those sub zero temps last december he heard a snap and truck would not move anymore. He tows truck home and pulls out transmission. He finds broken flex plate. Google search led him to missing dowel pin. The converter snout broke. He got new converter and new rear main seal he put it back in and trans fluid is leaking bad. He brings it to my shop. Yeah it is. We replace the trans and I drive home. Shifts great and no trans leak. Oil is pouring from rear of the engine. I pull out trans and take flex plate off. I never removed it when I installed trans because he said he had put a new rear main seal in. Im looking at 2 holes ground in the back of the "rear main seal housing" which bolts to back of the block. "New rear main seal" looks odd. Well at first I thought it was in backwards but no it was in fine. I guess those 5 cylinders have rear main that is a reverse lip seal so its backwards of normal seal. Anyway he had ran the thing with broken flex plate for 2 hours to stay warm till the tow truck got there. He said he seen the holes but didnt think it was a big deal. Rear seal housing was backordereed and we ended up having to have his welded.

[@larrysilverman2099]

I had a customer some years back that had a mint Eldorado with super low miles and it had the 300hp northstar in it and it was very impressive for being a heavy fwd vehicle, I think another major downfall of these engines was not running premium fuel and adhering to oil quality and weight requirements all because it costs more resulting in “just put the cheap stuff in” and these engines weren’t designed for that, they needed consistent maintenance with top shelf products. Really cool build and I’m excited to see it finished!

[@dustcommander100]

Such an interesting build!!! I sure wish I could do stuff like you! Having maintained a '78 Fairmont wagon during the 80's, I have my reservations, but I like unique stuff. My only advice is to keep sn eye on the backup light lenses - they fall off when the glue lets go. 😊 Looking forward to your upcoming videos!

[@ericwilson2585]

Thank you Sir.

[@b.s.adventures9421]

I had a northstar caddy car years ago. Had good stock power. Always thought those engines had a ton of potential.

[@stigarchives4138]

I daily a 1999 seville that i bought with bad headgasket(s) and this engine is so underrated and overshadowed by the LS. I can't wait to see this fire up oh man